Speaking in his new autobiography Substance about his relationship with the Mrs Merton comedian, the New Order co-founder has alleged she scratched him, and burnt cigarettes out on his body.

In a chapter entitled "Marry In Haste, Repent At Leisure," Hook explains why he “couldn’t in all good conscience” comment on her death, writing: “She attacked me, using her nails to scratch at my neck, tearing off my necklace and ripping my top.

"It was proper shocking stuff."

The former Joy Division man added: "And although she was really contrite the next morning it marked the beginning of some serious screaming-banshee behaviour - putting cigarettes out on my arm, attacking me with bottles, knives, chairs and other assorted furniture."

“It would be set off by the slightest thing - talking or looking at another woman was a favourite.”

Summing up his experience with the late Royle Family star, who he was married to from 1994-1997, he added: “I was an abused husband and it’s embarrassing, and you feel ashamed, and you can’t tell anyone.

"I needed help.”

Caroline Aherne had a well-documented history of drink and drug abuse in the 1990s and had attended The Priory for depression and alcoholism.

The writer and actress - who was most recently known as the voice of Googlebox - suffered three battles with cancer, the third of which proved to be terminal.

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